October 05

Great teachers balance many forces competing for their energy and attention, and they are the fundamental support structures of our educational system. They also provide knowledge and a strong, supportive learning environment.

In honour of World Teachers’ Day, OECTA presents Teachers Matter, a video that recognizes teachers’ hard work in helping students achieve great things, and illustrates just how important teachers are.

Share this video with family, friends and all the wonderful teachers in your life.

Happy World Teachers’ Day!

October 02

It can be difficult for parents to be involved in their children’s day-to-day activity at school. The key is communicating with their teachers – when parents and teachers work together, students succeed!

Here are a few ways parents can stay in the loop with teachers:

Meet teachers in person as the school year begins

It’s important for parents to meet their child’s teacher early in the new school year and begin an initial dialogue for open communication throughout the year. It’s also important for teachers to be able to connect with their students’ parents. As a parent you are encouraged to reach out to introduce yourself anytime.

In-class meetings and school events

Parent-teacher conferences throughout the school year are the best opportunities to get face-to-face feedback on a student’s progress. Also, many parents are able to volunteer their time to engage in classroom activities and school events, which can be an effective way to support their child’s learning and to feel more a part of the school community.

Class websites and newsletters

Class websites and newsletters are great forms of communication that keep parents updated about class activities, curriculum changes and upcoming events. Both platforms also provide opportunities for announcements and calls-to-action that get parents involved in school activities such as bake sales, sports teams, or parent-teacher associations.

October 01

The opportunities that early childhood education and care (ECEC) provide to children – building a foundation for learning, adjusting behaviours and social skills –come at a vital time in their development. In spite of some criticism and concerns about the Full-Day Early Learning-Kindergarten Program, there is a growing consensus that the program is preparing children socially and academically, leading to better outcomes in later years. However, to deliver the program most effectively it must be designed, funded and operated appropriately.

This means Kindergarten-Grade 1 combined classes should be eliminated. Classes that include children ranging in age from four- to seven years old make it difficult to address the large gaps in their social and cognitive development.

It is also imperative that there be a certified teacher and an early childhood educator (ECE) in all Kindergarten classrooms at all times during the instructional period. Students benefit greatly when ECEs and teachers unite their experiences and efforts in the classroom.

Think it's all about the money? Find out about the issues affecting teachers and their students.